Frequently Asked Questions

This is almost always one of four things:

• Wrong format — Make sure you selected the correct console model in the export dropdown. An X32 .scn file will not load on a Yamaha, and vice versa.
• USB format — Most consoles require FAT32 formatted USB drives. If your drive is formatted as NTFS or exFAT, the console may not recognize it. Reformat the drive to FAT32 (you can usually do this from the console itself).
• File location — Some consoles expect files in a specific folder on the USB drive. Check your console's manual for the correct path.
• Firmware version — Older firmware may not support newer file formats. Check if a firmware update is available for your console.

Every console has a maximum number of characters it can display on its scribble strips. stage·left auto-abbreviates long names to fit, but you may want to customize them.

If names are getting cut off, shorten them in the Inputs tab before exporting. Common abbreviations: "Kick Drum" becomes "Kick", "Acoustic Guitar" becomes "Ac Gtr", "Lead Vocal" becomes "Ld Vox".

First: If you have a Pro license with cloud sync enabled, your plots may be recoverable from the cloud. Open stage·left and check if they appear after syncing.

Free users: stage·left stores plots in your browser's local storage. Clearing your browser data (history, cookies, cached files) will delete them. This is why we recommend exporting important plots as GFS files (stage·left's native format) to your file system.

Prevention: Get in the habit of exporting a GFS backup of important plots. Files tab → Export As → GFS. Pro users get automatic cloud backup, so this is less of a concern.

Each console has its own color palette, and they are not identical across brands:

• X32/M32: 16 colors (Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, Magenta, Cyan, White + light variants)
• Yamaha CL/QL: Different palette — "Red" on X32 may appear slightly different on a Yamaha
• dLive: Matches the Director software palette

stage·left picks the closest available color for each console. The mapping prioritizes readability: drums get warm colors, vocals get cool colors, DI inputs are neutral.

Yes. stage·left currently imports these supported file types:

• .scn files from Behringer X32/Midas M32 and Behringer WING
• .snap files from Behringer WING
• .clf files from Yamaha CL/QL
• .ses files from DiGiCo SD series
• .tar.gz files from Allen & Heath dLive
• .txt files for generic input lists

The format is auto-detected. Just select your file and stage·left figures out the rest. See the Console Import guide for full details.

Yes, completely. stage·left is a Progressive Web App (PWA) that works offline after your first visit. All data is stored locally on your device. You can build, edit, and export stage plots with zero internet connection.

No cloud dependency, no login required. On mobile, you can tap "Add to Home Screen" for a native app-like experience that works offline.

stage·left currently supports these console families:

• Behringer X32 / Midas M32
• Behringer WING
• Yamaha CL / QL
• DiGiCo SD series
• Allen & Heath dLive

Support expands conservatively through updates. Pro users receive supported format updates at no extra cost. See the Console Export guide for per-console instructions.

Free tier: Fully functional with up to 3 saved plots and watermarked exports. No credit card required.

Pro: $49 one-time. Unlimited plots, clean exports, cloud sync, shareable links, and supported format updates. No monthly fees, no per-seat charges.

See the pricing page for current details.

In stage·left, tap the upgrade prompt or go to the Files tab. You will be taken to a secure Stripe checkout. After payment, your license key is generated and stored in the app automatically. A confirmation email with your key is also sent to your email address. See the Pro Features guide for full details.

Yes. stage·left works on any device with a modern browser — phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. It is mobile-first, meaning the interface was designed for touch screens first and then scaled up for larger displays. Many operators use it on a tablet at front of house or on their phone during load-in.